Overview

May 24

Technology is critical for helping K-12 schools and educators work with students to close the learning gap created by the disruptions of the pandemic. But new technology is only as good as the people using it. Developing a strategy for implementation and training is vital to make the most of new investments in classroom IT. In this virtual conversation from the Center for Digital Education, we will discuss best practices for financing and implementing new classroom technology.

Our panel of public sector education IT leaders will discuss:

How to access funding and structure spending to cover ongoing training and implementation
The hallmarks of a successful technology training strategy for educators and students
Other top trends for implementation

Speakers

Jim Corns

Executive Director, Information Technology, Baltimore County Public Schools

Jim Corns has worked in public education for 29 years in four counties in the state of Maryland with 22 of those years being at the senior IT leadership level. In 2016, Jim took a position in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) as the Director of Innovation and Digital Safely. Under his leadership in this position, BCPS earned the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment seal.  In 2018, Jim was promoted to the Executive Director position of Information Technology for BCPS where he oversees the technology ecosystem for the third largest school system in Maryland and 25th largest in the US. In November, 2020 BCPS was hit with a massive cyberattack. Through his leadership, BCPS was able to continue instruction in three school days and revolutionize the network and digital environment in BCPS in a year In Jim is a CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader Certification. 

Don Wolff

Chief Technology Officer, Portland Public Schools

Don Wolff is the current CTO of Portland Public Schools (PPS) in Portland, Oregon. PPS, as a district, is dedicated to creating exceptional and equitable opportunities for all students. He has spent over thirty years serving in public schools. Don believes a robust public school system can provide transformative opportunities for our students and be a catalyst for creating a more socially just and responsible society. Technology employed responsibly can provide a springboard for students and teachers to access digital opportunities that can enhance, extend, and expedite the transformation that is needed now more than ever.

Matt Federoff — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Matt Federoff served as the Chief Information Officer for the Vail School District in Vail, Arizona for 22 years. He helped open 18 new schools, and was the first IT leader in his state to provide comprehensive wifi, 1-1 student laptops, and all digital content for instruction. Before Vail, Matt taught high school science for eight years, where he was named an Apple Distinguished Educator. Retired in 2021 after 30 years in public education and numerous awards and recognitions, Matt lives with his wife and children in Steubenville, Ohio.

Webinar

Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap: Financing and Implementing New Tech in the Classroom